HEALTH FINANCING STRATEGY 2015/16 – 2024/25

This is the second Health Financing Strategy for Uganda, and it comes at a time of global commitment towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is anticipated that this strategy will serve as a critical element in Uganda’s pathway to achieving the health-related SDGs and attaining UHC. UHC emphasizes access to good quality health care according to need, while at the same time limiting exposure to financial risk for those who seek care. Achieving UHC is a cornerstone of the new set of SDGs, which have been defined as the new global development goals. Uganda is transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs, in which UHC is the all-encompassing health goal. The attainment of the UHC goal in any country requires a well-functioning health financing system. In developing the HFS, the MOH recognizes that the implementation of the financing reforms in this strategy will rely on existing systems and structures, and progressively move towards building the required systems for UHC.The development of the HFS is underpinned by the Constitution, Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP II). Constitutionally, the Government of Uganda (GoU) has an obligation to provide basic health services to its people and to promote proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles. The Constitution further entitles all people in Uganda to enjoy rights and opportunities and to have access to education, health services and clean and safe water. Uganda’s Vision 2040 envisions “a transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years” and has been developed to shape Uganda’s long-term development strategy. Vision 2040 acknowledges that good health is essential in ensuring socio-economic transformation and is critical if Uganda is to attain its long-term vision. The NDP II1 also places great emphasis on investing in the promotion of people’s health and nutrition, and the need to improve health and promote well-being.